In a bold display of military might, U.S. forces in Iraq recently countered an attack from Iranian-backed terrorists. As reported, the U.S. military retaliated against these terrorists with an AC-130 gunship after the group launched a missile strike on U.S. and coalition forces stationed at Al-Asad Airbase. This counterstrike resulted in several enemy casualties.

The missile attack from the terrorists resulted in injuries to multiple U.S. personnel and damage to the infrastructure at the base. However, due to the timely presence of an AC-130 gunship in the vicinity, the U.S. forces were able to rapidly respond. A Pentagon spokesperson stated that the gunship was already airborne when the attack occurred, enabling it to swiftly identify the point of origin and engage with the assailants.

The AC-130 gunship, often referred to as “the angel of death,” is a formidable weapon in the U.S. military arsenal. It is equipped with a Precision Strike Package that includes a 30mm and 105mm cannon, along with Standoff Precision Guided Munitions such as GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs, GBU-69 Small Glide Munitions, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, and AGM-176 Griffin missiles. With its ability to travel at speeds of up to 420 mph and circle targets for hours, the AC-130 provides highly accurate fire support to ground forces.

While the U.S. did not identify the specific terrorist organization behind the attack, they did confirm it was an Iran-backed group. This incident marks one of at least 66 attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria since October 17. This surge in violence follows an unprecedented terror attack by Hamas against Israel, which resulted in the murder of 1,200 Israelis, over 5,300 wounded, and more than 240 kidnapped.

These attacks serve as a stark reminder of the volatile situation in the Middle East and the constant threats faced by U.S. and coalition forces in the region. The swift and decisive response by the U.S. military showcases their readiness and commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the area.

The U.S. military’s use of the AC-130 gunship in Iraq is a clear demonstration of its resolve to counteract terrorist activities. As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, the U.S. remains steadfast in its mission to protect its personnel, allies, and uphold international law against those who seek to undermine it.